Senators pushing more ‘efficient’ regulatory system

The federal rulemaking process is coming under new scrutiny in the Senate.

Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) are introducing a package of regulatory reform bills on Wednesday that aim to “relieve the overwhelming burden that regulations have placed on our economy and families.”

{mosads}“Unfortunately, too many federal rules are unnecessarily burdensome to families and businesses,” Lankford said. 

“These bills will produce a more efficient regulatory process, and ultimately better regulations,” he added.

The Smarter Regulations Through Advance Planning and Review Act would require retrospective reviews of major rules to make sure they are meeting their objectives.

The Principled Rulemaking Act would require federal agencies, including independent agencies, to “tailor rules to impose the least burden on individuals and businesses.” The agencies would only issue rules that are “necessary” and “maximize benefits.”

They would be required to identify a problem that needs to be addressed before issuing a rule.

The Early Participation in Regulations Act would essentially delay the federal rulemaking process to give the public more time to participate. Federal agencies would be required to submit an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking before issuing major rules. This would push back the rulemaking process by 90 days.

The regulatory reform bills come from the top lawmakers on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee for regulatory affairs.